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Q. “Do you use full character
sketches?” (From:
Nancy Toback)
- Actually,
up until last year when I was in RWA, I didn’t know such things as
character sketches existed. With
my first book, any time I needed a reminder of someone’s eye color, for
example, I’d search back pages till I found the information. Admittedly,
this wasn’t the wisest method and I don’t recommend it, but that’s
what I did. Later, I got into
the habit of jotting down eye color, hair color—vital statistics—and
referring to them. I’ve tried
using full character sketches, but found I never referred to them, even with
my notebook nearby. (I’ve also heard that cutting out magazine pictures of
people who resemble your characters, and taping them to your computer, helps
in making them more real—and decreases chances of flub-ups in describing
them.)
What I’ve found works best for
me is to reread or scan what I’ve written EACH TIME I work on the
story—beginning with the 1st chapter--especially when I’ve shelved it for
awhile and am getting back into it. I “become one” with my characters by
doing this, and they become as real to me as family, the plot as though I’m
the one living it. I just
“know” what my characters will do in a given situation, considering their
individual personalities, just like I’d know how a friend would react if
confronted with the same issue.
I still jot down eye and hair
color occasionally—especially if I’m working on several stories at
once—but I get to that point where I can see my characters in my mind’s eye,
and know what they look like, etc.—just as if someone asked me to describe a
family member. I wouldn’t have to
refer to a chart or picture to tell you that my aunt’s hair is brown, her eyes
blue, and that she has a bubbly laugh and sugary sweet personality, because
she’s REAL to me—even if I haven’t seen her for months.
And that’s one of the most important factors in making your characters
real to others—first and foremost they must be real to you.
My method may not be the way to go
for another writer . . . but it’s the best way I’ve found for me. My advice?
Find what works for you in making believable characters--and stick with it!
J
(Also, I would be remiss if I
failed to mention that every aspect of my writing, from the faintest idea to the
polished final—and even beyond that--I commit to the Lord, asking for His
guiding Hand. I’m only a vessel;
He’s the true Author.)
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